Simmons, who is black, has become a favorite of SB2681 supporters, due to his fight against the bill. He said on the floor of the Mississippi Senate on April 1 before the bill passed: "If you have never been discriminated against, you don't know how that feels. If you have never been discriminated against, you don't know how to feel discrimination. I urge you to vote against this bill because it legalizes discrimination."

A prayer vigil against the bill is scheduled at the Capitol at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.